Category Archives: ~Decorating

Transform Your Space: 7 Decorative Flooring Options For Every Style

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Flooring is an essential part of any space, and choosing the right flooring can completely
transform the look and feel of a room, patio, or deck.

Want something different from the usual floor tiles for your coffee nook, play area, or living
room? You can use a unique quartz and marble flooring system to simulate a carpeted look
without the hassle of maintaining and cleaning an actual carpet.

A stone carpet in Dubai can be an excellent idea, especially in the sweltering summer months when you may not appreciate a heavy carpet’s added warmth. It’s particularly suitable for outdoor use, adding character to and defining the boundaries of a particular section, just like actual carpets do. While there are carpets and rugs meant for use outdoors, they’re still a hassle to dry, clean, and maintain.

There are many decorative flooring options available. Below are some ideas.

  1. Polished Concrete Flooring

Polished concrete flooring is a sleek and modern option that is becoming increasingly popular in contemporary homes. This type of flooring involves treating the concrete surface with a polishing machine, resulting in a smooth, shiny finish.

One of the benefits of polished concrete flooring is that it is exceptionally durable and low-
maintenance. It’s resistant to stains and scratches, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic
areas like living rooms and kitchens.

  1. Floor Finishing
    Instead of using a hyper grinder to grind and polish your concrete floors to a smooth, hard-
    wearing surface, you can treat them with a resinous decorative finish. Your floor is essentially a blank slate you can customize to match your aesthetic, as this approach allows you to create a seamless backdrop for your focal point or create bespoke works of floor art.

For instance, you can use the Colortek Liquid Crystal decorative flooring finish to incorporate
custom patterns and pigments, integrate metallic particles and pearlescent effects, and utilize
glitter and color shifts to create a virtually infinite array of floor designs.

Using Liquid Crystal or a similar finish, you can enhance your floor with geode patterns, a
crystalline look, an abstract mural overlay, or a larger-than-life geometric design.

Alternatively, you can use the Colortek Urban self-leveling resin layer to create a strikingly
seamless, joint-free finish that you can use as a backdrop for your room’s furnishings or as a
canvas for more designs.

Colortek Neocement can appropriate if you have degraded concrete floors. Neocement is a
decorative finish that you can use to resurface old and worn-out concrete floors. It hardens,
toughens, and treats concrete floor surfaces, so they look, feel, and work like new.

You can also use poured epoxy terrazzo to finish your floor. This epoxy floor has pieces of
marble, glass, quartz, granite, and other materials to create a smooth and seamless floor finish that is resistant to scratches and stains and can withstand high traffic.

  1. Stone Carpet Flooring Systems

Instead of using a carpet, which can add to your maintenance burden, why not create the look of a carpet using a quartz and marble stone carpet flooring system like Colortek DeepC?

You can create a carpet-like overlay on your floor using such a system. Indoor, outdoor, it
doesn’t matter. This stone carpet surface is ultraviolet radiation-resistant and extraordinarily
durable against chemical and mechanical stress. It is breathable and does not trap moisture,
but also doesn’t let water through to the concrete or masonry substrate underneath.

It creates such a moisture-impermeable layer that you can use it to give your swimming pool a carpeted look. Create interesting geometric patterns, or put your monogram at the bottom of your pool. You can also create a faux sandy beach look on your pool deck by treating it with an appropriately colored stone carpet overlay.

Stone carpet flooring systems combine marble and colored quartz granules to create their
carpet look. Application begins with a primer to seal the substrate. An antiskid silica granules
layer is applied next, left alone for 24 hours, then dry-brushed to remove excess particles.

Next comes the pebble mix, arranged according to the planned design and left to cure for 24
hours. A topcoat layer then goes on top and is allowed to dry for three days to create a
waterproof surface.

  1. Reclaimed Wood Flooring

This is for you if you love the rustic and natural look. It is created from wood salvaged from old buildings or other sources. The wood is cleaned, treated, and processed to create a beautiful and durable wooden floor layer.

Reclaimed wood flooring is eco-friendly because it’s made from recycled lumber instead of new wood. It can also be visually striking because of the wood’s unique character and imperfections.

  1. Cork Flooring

Cork is made from the bark peeled off the cork oak tree. Since the cork oak tree’s bark
regenerates every nine years, cork is not only biodegradable but also renewable.

Cork flooring is durable and easy to maintain. It’s resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture, so
cork floors are a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens. They also have a soft and cushioned feel, making them comfortable to walk on.

  1. Patterned Vinyl Flooring

Patterned vinyl flooring is a fun and creative option that can add a pop of color and personality to any space. This type of flooring comes in various patterns and designs, from bold geometric shapes to playful floral prints.

One of the benefits of using patterned vinyl flooring is that it is affordable and easy to install.
It’s also quite durable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for households with kids and pets. Additionally, you can cut it to fit any room or space, making it a versatile option for any home.

  1. Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles are a versatile and practical option for offices, playrooms, and other high-traffic
areas. Carpet tiles are available in different colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to
create unique looks.

One of the benefits of carpet tiles is that they are easy to install and replace. If a tile becomes damaged or stained, you can simply replace it with a new one rather than having to replace the entire carpet. Additionally, carpet tiles are easy to clean.

Your Floor, Your Style
Your floor design can significantly impact your space’s overall look and feel. From the rustic
charm of reclaimed wood to the sleek modernity of polished concrete, various decorative
flooring options are available to suit any budget and style.

Whether you’re looking for durability, eco-friendliness, or a pop of color, there’s a decorative
flooring option out there for you.

AUTHOR BIO
Ralph El Eid is the Business Development Manager at COLORTEK – Wall & Floor Fashion.
EQUIPAINT is the franchise owner of COLORTEK in Dubai (U.A.E.) and Doha (Qatar); an
international paints manufacturer specializing in the widest range of decorative paints and
seamless concrete & resin flooring, with a unique showroom concept, and thus an ideal
destination for homeowners, consultants, architects, interior designers and paint applicators.

Things You Need to Keep in Mind About Power Supplies & Wall Adapters While Remodeling Your Home

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When you’re in the middle of a home remodeling project, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and overlook some of the more important aspects. One of the most important things to keep in mind is your home’s power supply. Depending on the extent of your remodeling, you may need to upgrade your home’s electrical system. This is especially true if you’re adding new appliances or moving existing ones to new locations.

Even if you don’t need to upgrade your home’s electrical system, there are still a few things to keep in mind when it comes to power supplies and wall adapters while remodeling your home.

Determine the Type of Voltage Your Appliances Need

The first thing you need to do is take inventory of all the appliances and devices in your home that will need to be plugged into an outlet. Once you have a list, determine what type of voltage each one requires. The standard voltage in most homes in North America is 120 volts, but some appliances require more or less than that. For example, large appliances like washers and dryers typically require 240 volts.

Power supplies and adapters come in different voltages, so it’s important to know how much voltage your appliances need. Remember that voltage can fluctuate depending on where you live. If you live in an area with a lot of power outages, you might want to consider getting a power supply that can accommodate higher voltages. Once you know the voltage requirements of your appliances, choose the right types of power supplies: AC or DC.

  • AC power supplies are the most common type. They convert AC current into DC current, which is what most appliances need.
  • DC power supplies are less common, but they’re not necessarily better or worse than AC power supplies. DC power supplies convert DC current into AC current.

Ensure Power Supply Compatibility With Your Appliances

The compatibility of your appliances with the power supplies and adapters in your home is crucial to avoid any damages or accidents. Different appliances require different voltages and amperage, so it’s important that you check what each of your appliances need before plugging them into the wall. Another thing to keep in mind is the type of power outlet that you have. The three most common types are standard, GFCI, and AFCI outlets.

  • Standard outlets are the most basic and can be found in most homes.
  • GFCI outlets are required by law in certain areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, to help prevent electrocution.
  • AFCI outlets are similar to GFCI outlets but provide additional protection against electrical fires.

If you’re unsure about what kind of outlet you have or what your appliances need, it’s always best to consult with a professional electrician. They’ll be able to help you design the perfect electrical system for your home and ensure that everything is up to code during home renovations.

Check the Amperage Rating of Your Power Supplies and Adapters

The amperage rating is the amount of current the power supply can provide. Appliances and devices typically have a maximum amperage rating that they can handle. For example, a common household appliance like a toaster might have a maximum amperage rating of 15 amps. If you try to use a power supply with an amperage rating that’s too high, it could damage the appliance or device.

When you’re remodeling your home, you might need to upgrade your electrical system to accommodate the new appliances and devices you’re adding. For instance, if you’re installing aquarium lighting or a home theater system, you might need to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate the higher amperage rating. Power supplies for every new appliance or device will directly affect the power draw in your house, so be sure to keep this in mind while you’re remodeling.

Ensure All Outlets Are Properly Rated for Your Appliances

Your home’s outlets need to accommodate the wattage of your home appliances. Most electrical outlets are rated for 15 or 20 amps. If you have an appliance that needs more power, such as a clothes dryer, oven, or air conditioner, you’ll need to install a dedicated circuit with the appropriate amperage rating.

Overloading an outlet can cause a fire, so it’s important to make sure all of your outlets are properly rated. Your wall adapters also need to be properly rated for the devices they power. The last thing you want is completing a remodel and then finding out your outlets can’t handle the new load.

Prioritize Safety When Working Around Power Outlets

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When you’re remodeling your home, it’s important to keep safety in mind at all times – and that includes working around power outlets. If you’re going to be doing any work near outlets, such as adding wallpaper to walls with power outlets or drilling walls to hang items, make sure that you shut off the power to that area first. Keep these safety tips in mind while working around outlets:

  • Always shut off the power before starting any work near outlets.
  • Check that all cords are unplugged and out of the way before beginning your project.
  • Use a circuit tester to test that the outlet is off before you begin working.
  • Cover outlet boxes with painter’s tape to avoid getting paint or other materials on them.
  • Do not use outlets that are loose, damaged, or show signs of wear and tear.
  • Be sure to have a qualified electrician inspect your work when you’re finished.

Invest in Surge Protectors for Your Appliances

To protect your power supplies, wall adapters, and electrical devices, you should purchase a few surge protectors. A power strip with multiple outlets is also a good idea in case you need to plug in several devices at once. Surge protector strips will help prevent your devices from being damaged by sudden power surges.

It’s important to remember that even if your home has circuit breakers, they may not always trip in time to prevent damage to your devices. If you can afford it, invest in a whole-house surge protector. These are installed at your electrical panel and will protect your entire home from power surges. You’ll be glad you have it the next time there’s a storm or if your power company has an issue.

Conclusion

Remember that the power needs of your appliances and devices vary widely, so you need to make sure that your electrical system can accommodate this range. Wall adapters and power supplies also come in different shapes and sizes, so you need to be aware of the different types before you start your remodeling project.

You should consult with a professional electrician to make sure that your electrical system is up to code and can handle your home’s power needs. Following these tips will help ensure a smooth and successful remodeling project.

The Best Indoor Plants For Different Rooms In Your Home

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Indoor plants have to be cohesive with your home’s interior design to complement its surroundings. Yet, they may not thrive in every room. Matching the plants with the right parts of your house can help your indoor garden burst with life. Check out the best plants for different spaces in your home to watch every plant thrive long-term.

1. Monstera in Your Bedroom

If you’ve fallen in love with wide, leafy prints on your clothes and decor, the leaves likely resemble the monstera plant. It has a trendy shape and a gorgeous shade of green that will look perfect in any bedroom.

Monstera plants work well with nearly every interior design scheme, so it’s very versatile. The plant is also famous for growing around two feet per year, so give it plenty of space to reach up and out of its pot.

2. Ferns in Your Bathroom

Bathrooms fluctuate between retaining warmth after a shower and becoming cold in the winter. The air’s humidity also changes every time you turn the water on. Ferns can handle all of that with ease. They’re hardy and need just a few hours of light per day, so hang one from your ceiling or place it on a shelf to add some greenery to your bathroom.

3. Hibiscus Flowers in Your Sunroom

Many people want beautiful flowers in their homes. If that’s what you’re daydreaming about, consider nurturing some hibiscus flowers. They come in a vast array of colors, which might provide the pop of character your home needs. Think about growing hibiscus flowers in your sunroom to give them the light they need every day.

After placing your potted hibiscus flowers in the perfect sunny spot, remember what kind of maintenance they will require. Since hibiscus plants put out flowers, you’ll need to clean up any old blossoms and leaves. This will encourage more consistent and beautiful blooms.

4. Peperomia in Your Guest Room

Bold and waxy peperomia foliage makes it perfect for any guest room. People with different aesthetic preferences love this plant because it’s a dark-green foundational design element. Water yours once a week and keep it in indirect sunlight on a dresser or shelf to ensure its best chance of survival.

5. Aloe in Your Nursery

If you’re designing your future child’s nursery, you’ll likely want soothing motifs and colors woven into the room. While comparing paint swatches and fabric samples, don’t forget that a baby’s nursery is a perfect place for plants like aloe vera.

Aloe plants contain a healing gel that soothes any irritation. Although your baby may not need that kind of help until they start exploring, the sight of an aloe plant is calming. It’s the exact design element nurseries need to create a relaxing and welcoming vibe. Place yours in direct sunlight and watch it grow alongside your infant.

6. Herbs in Your Kitchen

Growing plants in your kitchen may seem like common sense. You already have vegetables and fruits in your fridge, so why not add a few potted plants?

Indoor gardening enthusiasts often find it easiest to grow herbs by a kitchen window rather than flowers or foliage. Herbs like mint, rosemary, and chives don’t require much room, so they’ll fit perfectly on your windowsill or counter space.

7. Gasteria in Your Office

Gasteria is a type of succulent that’s excellent for home office spaces. It doesn’t need much soil or room to expand its root system, whether it grows on your desk, bookshelf, or a hanging planter. Gasteria is also one of the many succulent plants that purify the air around them by taking in impurities and expelling oxygen.

8. Air Plants in Your Dining Room

Anyone who wants to grow a few indoor plants but doubts their gardening experience can start their greenery collection by adopting air plants. They can sit on any surface because they don’t need pots or dirt.

Spray them with a light watery mist every few days and they’ll remain as beautiful and colorful as the day you bought them. Position them in darkened dining rooms or as centerpieces on your table to create greenery arrangements that would be more challenging with traditional plants.

Find the Best House Plants For Each Room

These are some of the best indoor plants for different rooms in your home, so you have many options to choose from. You might like dark shades of green foliage or opt for colorful flowers. Either way, you’ll find endless indoor gardening success by placing these plants in these rooms because the environments will cater to every plant’s needs.

Author

 Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small.

How To Prevent Flood Damage In Historic Homes

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Historical homes provide a charming aesthetic, although they are more vulnerable to flood damage. Older structures often have minor cracks on the roof, walls or flooring, making the interior more susceptible to water accumulation. Here are tips to prevent flood damage in your home.

1. Evaluate Your Drainage System

The drain should be sloped away from your foundation. Redirect gutters so water flows toward the street, preventing it from accumulating near your foundation. A build-up could lead to potential mold and a weakened structure.

In addition, clear out debris and leaves from the downspouts so moisture doesn’t build up. You can also install backwater valves to prevent water from entering your house.

2. Try Dry-Proofing Methods

Dry-proofing is where you seal your exterior to protect against floods. One method is adding flood shields to doors for better protection against heavy downpours. You can also raise the threshold of your entryway to prevent foundational issues. Be sure to seal around doors and windows tightly. Keep in mind older windows have larger openings to let in more light.

You can strengthen any masonry walls to withstand heavier pressure. However, if you ​​create a permanent installation, it must be compatible with the property’s historic character.

3. Decorate With Flood-Resistant Materials

Flood-resistant materials can withstand prolonged water exposure with little to no damage.

Make sure to add these to the underside of your home. Does your home need a renovation to create a more updated look? This is an excellent opportunity to add flood-resistant surfaces.

Here are a few materials to consider using:

  • Concrete
  • Clay tile
  • Brick
  • Pressure-treated (PT) resistant lumber
  • Polyester epoxy paint

Be sure to enclose any wall cracks with waterproof membranes or other sealants.

4. Raise Your Appliances and Utilities

Keep your appliances and HVAC system at taller heights whenever possible. Begin by determining your base flood elevation (BFE), which is how much the water level is anticipated to rise during an annual flood. This date is on the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) website. Make sure to raise your utilities above that level.

Be sure to elevate electrical wiring as well. This can prevent damage and potential electrocution. Also, turn off the home’s power systems if floodwaters rise.

5. Move Your Furniture Around

Take stock of your belongings and secure them as safely as you can to prevent potential water damage. Move high-value items to the upper levels. You can temporarily store a few things in your home’s attic. For example, do you have antique sofas or lamps you want to preserve during a period of rainy weather?

If you are accustomed to a storm season or rainy season, you should also be prepared to limit the furniture you keep outside. Taking in patio furniture, planters and other items for a few months can give you some peace of mind should flooding be a problem.

6. Have a Contractor on Hand

You want to restore your home as much as possible after flooding, especially historic homes with lots of charm. Have a trusted contractor on file and retain their number, which can help save time in an emergency.

Insurance companies will often work with general contractors during the claims process, which is why you must have somebody you can trust. Ask friends for references and research credentials before hiring someone. Make sure you interview multiple contractors as well.

7. Elevate Your Home

Raising your house on stilts or piers can protect against intense flooding by preventing water from seeping into your foundation. It also gives you time to move furniture around before the water level rises too high.

Contractors separate the frame and masonry veneer from their foundation during this process. Then they’re raised and kept up with temporary support. Finally, the new extended foundation is constructed below. Ensure you preserve the historical exterior features, such as wood siding. Also, check with local historical preservation societies to see if structural changes need approval.

8. Maintain Your Lawn Properly

A well-kept yard can elevate your home’s curb appeal and complement the charming exterior of older homes. You can use specific lawn care techniques to prevent flooding as well.

Use heavy soil with clay and sand so the surface runoff water empties into the street gutter. Also, leave plenty of room between your mulch and siding. Installing a rain barrel can help catch runoff water from the roof.

 

Tips to Keep Your Home Protected

Severe weather can be a problem for many homeowners, and preserving the beauty of a historical home is often a concern. Follow these steps to keep your property protected for years to come.

Author

 Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small.

7 Tips To Choose The Right Door For Your Home

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You’re thinking of sprucing up your home, and you’ve decided that doors are a great place to start. You’ve made an excellent choice! Doors are frequently overlooked when remodeling, but they can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home. Of course, it can be a bit of a project narrowing down your options. There are as many doors as there are personalities, and picking the right ones for your home can seem daunting. There’s size, shape, color, style, hinge type, knob type…the list goes on and on. But with a little planning, you can make sure your doors fit perfectly within your budget, your lifestyle, and your decor. Read on to learn seven tips to make the right choice!

1. Set a Budget

Before you start looking, figure out what your budget is going to be. This is one huge step you can take to narrow down your choices. Interior doors start at around $50 and go up from there (in some cases, way up!). Having an idea of your overall budget will allow you to break down your budget per door. You may want to spend more or less depending on door placement. For rooms where soundproofing is important (think bathrooms and bedrooms), solid core doors are the way to go. But for rooms such as closets and pantries, a hollow core door can save you serious money.

2. Consider Your Style

You can’t go wrong with a standard white raised panel door, but you’re not going to be making any kind of statement with it, either. Instead of opting for the norm, think about your style preferences and consider finding a door to match it. Do you like a mid-century modern look? You may want to go with flat panel doors to get that 1960’s vibe. Are you into the country-chic look? Consider using a sliding barn door style in a room or two. Do country French cottages inspire you? Arched doors give that provincial feel. Whatever style you choose, just make sure it fits with your overall decor!

3. Think About Space

If space is a concern, pocket, sliding, or folding doors are a great space-saving choice. Bedroom closet doors are a great place for folding doors. Another space-saving idea is a pivot door that splits the width of the door between two areas, or smaller French doors that only take up about half the space of a regular door when open.

4. Pick the Right Material

Doors come in myriad materials, but the most common are wood and MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Wood is sturdier, great for staining, and an excellent choice for soundproofing. But it tends to be more expensive and difficult to paint. MDF is typically less expensive, lighter, and easier to paint. However, it can’t be stained, and it’s not the best choice if you are soundproofing a room. These days, there are many composite materials available if there’s a special issue you’re looking to solve (such as smudge resistance) or a specific look you’re going for (such as a more glossy modern style).

5. Make a Statement

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Most doors in your home will be similar in style, but they don’t all have to be. Consider a single area to do something fun. Common accent doors include pantry or closet doors, or doors between a kitchen and dining area. Use these doorways to make a real statement with etched glass or saloon-style swinging doors. Want to get creative? Add color to your doors or frames. Use door color to add continuity from another part of your home. Or create a dramatic entrance by using a bold color on your front door!

6. Don’t Forget the Hardware

Door hardware can be as important as the door itself. The right knobs and hinges add not only style but also serious functionality to your doors.Soft-closing door systems can prevent doors from slamming in a cool breeze. Quiet hinges can keep you from waking your loved ones when you close a door late at night. The aesthetic of hardware can completely change the look of a room. If you’re on a budget, you may consider changing the hardware on your existing doors rather than getting all new doors. It’s an easy way to spruce up a tired look.

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7. Get Creative!

The last thing to remember is not to box yourself in. Try going to a flea market or a salvage yard to find an old door that will add a vintage pop to your decor. Or consider making a door out of reclaimed wood. Finally, you can find ways to creatively spruce up your existing doors to make unique statement pieces for your home.

Whatever you decide, upgrading your current doors will bring new life to your home and be an investment you can cherish for years to come!